Edmonton Oilers

Brendan Gallagher Confirms He’s Leaving Canadiens, Open To Joining Home Team

Brendan Gallagher confirmed he’s leaving the Montreal Canadiens and will talk to his family about trade options. Up for joining hometown team.

by
NHL Trade Talk
June 1, 2026

Brendan Gallagher will not be returning to the Montreal Canadiens next season. Speaking with the media on Monday, the veteran forward revealed that he’s moving on and will likely be traded to finish out his current contract with another team. “It’s pretty clear, I’ll be kind of moving on here,” said an emotional Gallagher as he seemingly said goodbye to Montreal media.

The forward spent 14 seasons in Montreal, calling it a privilege. He thanked the team, the media, and the fans for the opportunity to play for and in front of them. Gallagher says he’d prefer to spend the rest of his career in Montreal, but understands the business of hockey and where the Habs are trending. “It’s not lost on me how special it was to call the Bell Centre home.”

The silver lining is that he is aware he’ll have a say in any potential move. “I’ve started to make the rounds in terms of contacting teams.” Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said.

Brendan Gallagher pf the Montreal Canadiens

When asked about a possible return home to Vancouver (where he played with the Vancouver Giants), he made it clear he’d welcome that opportunity and plans to discuss options with his wife and agent. “Vancouver will be a great place.” Canucks analysts like Rich Dhaliwal have suggested the Canucks would be interested and that they might be a perfect fit given what they are currently going through in their rebuild plans.

Vancouver needs leaders, and Gallagher will be looking for a place where he’ll have a level of comfort and an opportunity to play. He has one season left on contract. Said he’d love to return home to Vancouver and play for Canucks. Either a trade or a buyout coming up. He has one season left on contract. Either a trade or a buyout is coming up.

He was also born in Edmonton, Alberta. The Oilers might be an intriguing destination if the Canadiens are open to retaining salary in any trade.

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